Overview The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a breathtaking adventure that takes you through the majestic Himalayas of Nepal. Nestled in the Annapurna Conservation Area, this trek is also a popular choice among nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Starting from Nayapul, the trek winds through lush green forests, terraced fields, and traditional Nepalese villages. The trail gradually ascends, offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks, including the magnificent Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli. The diverse landscape also presents a mix of rhododendron forests, cascading waterfalls, and deep gorges, making each step of the journey a visual treat. As you…
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a breathtaking adventure that takes you through the majestic Himalayas of Nepal. Nestled in the Annapurna Conservation Area, this trek is also a popular choice among nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Starting from Nayapul, the trek winds through lush green forests, terraced fields, and traditional Nepalese villages. The trail gradually ascends, offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks, including the magnificent Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli. The diverse landscape also presents a mix of rhododendron forests, cascading waterfalls, and deep gorges, making each step of the journey a visual treat.
As you continue your ascent, you reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp, surrounded by towering mountains on all sides. The air also becomes crisp, and the tranquility of the surroundings is awe-inspiring. From here, the trail leads to Annapurna Base Camp itself, located at an elevation of 4,130 meters (13,550 feet). Standing amidst the Annapurna Sanctuary, you take greetings by a panoramic amphitheater of snow-covered peaks that seem to touch the heavens.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is not just about the majestic scenery; it also offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. Along the way, you encounter Gurung and Magar villages, where you can experience the warm hospitality of the locals and learn about their traditions and way of life.
The trek typically takes around 7-12 days, depending on your pace and itinerary. It is also considered a moderate trek suitable for trekkers with a basic level of fitness. Teahouses and lodges are available along the route, providing comfortable accommodation and delicious meals, allowing you to rest and refuel for the next day’s adventure.
In conclusion, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a mesmerizing journey through the heart of the Himalayas, offering breathtaking mountain vistas, cultural encounters, and a sense of accomplishment. It is an experience that will leave you with lifelong memories and a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature.
On your arrival, you will be greeted by our representative of Nepal Challenge Trek Team at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) but make sure about our representative with a display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to the hotel. We can either relax in the afternoon or hang around. You will have a dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant where we take pleasure in a Nepalese cultural program as well as food. Overnight at hotel.
The drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara is 7 hours on a tourist bus. Trekking staff will arrive at your Hotel at 6:30AM in the morning to pick you up then the bus will leave around 7:00AM to Pokhara. If you want to fly to Pokhara instead of taking the long journey by bus, this is also possible. There are several flights to Pokhara from 9 am in the morning to 3 pm in the afternoon which offers a splendid view of the Himalayas in the north. Pokhara is a picturesque lake town nestled in the shadow of the Himalayan Peaks and is the suitable startup point for trekking. Overnight at Hotel.
The drive to Nayapul is around two hours. After this short drive, we pack up the bags for porters and start our trip. We walk through the lush, green Modi river valley, past waterfalls with plunge pools that invite you to swim. The ascend of the steep staircase to Magar village of Ulleri (2,070m) a tough one for the first day but you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the valley below and the peaks of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. Overnight at Lodge.
The trek today is a gentle climb through pasture and cultivated fields. After Banthati the trail then continues to ascend more gently, through fine forests of oak and rhododendrons forest to Ghorepani (2,840m). Overnight at Lodge.
Today, very early in the morning, we start an hour hiking to Poon Hill at elevation of 3200 meters. Poon Hill is a famous view point and provides an unobstructed view of sunrise over the high Himalayas. After spending an hour at the view point we return to Ghorepani where we take a hot breakfast and then we trek to Tadapani (2,610m). The trail ascends up to Deurali pass and descends steeply through dense moss-covered forest rich with birdlife to Tadapani. Overnight at Lodge.
The day starts with steep downhill through rhododendron forests. Leaving Tadapani, we descend steeply through forests and then the trail eases as we reach Gurjung which is the village of Gurung people, with an easy walk to Chommrong at elevation of 2,140m. Overnight at Lodge.
Towering above the village is the mighty peak of Annapurna South, with the Fishtail facing it across the valley.
We walk through the forest to Kuldi Ghar, before the route goes steeply down a bank of rock and then levels out, running through riverside bamboo thickets along the base of the gorge. Because there are no villages in this valley, the forests are untouched and we have a very pleasant walk through oak, rhododendron forest as we climb and then descend to a place called Bamboo (2,335m).Then the track winds steeply up through deep bamboo and rhododendron forest to Himalaya Hotel (2,680m) Overnight at Lodge.
Our day begins with the climb through bamboo, then rhododendron forests to Hinko cave.
The track remains on the west bank of the Modi, now flowing through a more open valley, and eventually emerges into the Sanctuary. Straight ahead is the high lateral moraine of the South Annapurna glacier and the Modi follows a deep cliff to the right. This is the site of Machhapuchhre base camp (3,480m). Overnight at Lodge.
Annapurna Base Camp is totally surrounded by mountains and this area is also known as the Annapurna Sanctuary. Two hours trek from Machhapuchhare Base Camp brings us to the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) at elevation of 4,130m. There, you will view unobstructed views of mountain scenery, which is very spectacular. Since we arrive at the base camp early, we spend our time visiting to the glaciers and taking the trip further to the base of the mountains. Overnight at Lodge.
From Annapurna Base Camp we follow the same trail down today. It is around 7 hours easy walk back to Bamboo. Overnight at Lodge.
We follow the same trail until Chommrong. From Chomrong the trail descends very steeply to the Jhinuwa hot spring, where you can bathe in natural hot springs. Overnight at Lodge.
We make a three hour trek downhill to Phedi where our vehicle awaits us to transfer us to Pokhara. Afternoon is free to explore the town. Overnight at Hotel.
The drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu takes around 7 hours. Afternoon is free in Kathmandu to do the last minute shopping. In the evening, a cultural dinner together with cultural dance is served.
2 nights hotel in Kathmandu B / B
All meals during trekking [3 meals a day + tea & coffee]
Valley Sightseeing with English speaking guide
English Speaking trekking guide and porter
All ground transportation as per itinerary
Trekking permits or national park entrance permits
Insurance for Nepali staffs
Airfare domestic / international
Visa Fee US $ 30.00
Airport tax domestic / international
Hard / Soft Drinks like alcohol and coke and mineral water
Any kind of personal expense / Helicopter rescue
Personal travel and medical insurance
Tips for guide / porter / sherpa
The trek starts from Nayapul, which is about an hour’s drive from Pokhara, and follows the Modi Khola river valley through small villages and terraced farmland. Along the way, you’ll pass through dense forests of oak, rhododendron, and bamboo, and cross several suspension bridges over the roaring river.
As you ascend higher, the landscape gradually changes, and you’ll pass through small settlements of Gurung and Magar communities. The trek then takes you to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 meters) and then to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 meters), which offers a breathtaking view of the Annapurna massif, including Annapurna I, II, III, and IV, as well as the iconic peak of Machhapuchhre (also known as Fishtail).
The trek takes around 10-12 days to complete, depending on your itinerary, and requires a moderate level of fitness. It is important to take adequate precautions to prevent altitude sickness, as the altitude can be a significant risk at higher elevations.
Overall, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a classic trek that offers stunning views of the Himalayas, and is a great option for those who are looking for a less challenging alternative to the Everest Base Camp Trek.